Trump takes veiled shot at Kaepernick, says NFL owners should fire kneelers: ‘Get that son of a b--- off the field’

President Trump on Friday encouraged NFL owners to fire any player who protests during the national anthem, telling them to "get that son of a b---- off the field right now."

Trump, speaking at a Huntsville, Ala., rally in support of incumbent Sen. Luther Strange, railed against protesting players.

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President Trump slams protesting football players during a campaign rally for Alabama Sen. Luther Strange on Friday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, say, 'Get that son of a b---- off the field right now. Out, you're fired!' "

While Trump didn't mention former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick by name, many saw him as the President's main target.

Responding to a journalist's tweet about Trump's comments, Kaepernick's mother Teresa wrote "Guess that makes me a proud b----!"

"Prediction: Not one NFL owner, not Roger Goodell will say one word about what [Trump] said about Kaep or other NFL players. Not. A. One," ESPN's Jemele Hill also tweeted.

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Athletes standing up against social injustice during the National Anthem

Kaepernick refused to stand during the national anthem in a protest against police brutality in August 2016.

While he was widely criticized by those who saw his actions as un-American, he also inspired many other athletes to do the same.

Trump also complained to the cheering crowd that football games have become less violent.

"They're ruining the game," he said.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the national anthem in protest of police brutality in August 2016. (Mike Groll/AP)

He bemoaned players being thrown from games for aggressive tackles, saying it's "not the same game."

The NFL has increased penalties and enforcement for illegal hits to the head, as well as those for hitting defenseless players, in light of several studies that have shown a connection to severe brain trauma.

Ratings for the NFL have dropped in recent years for a variety of reasons, but Trump placed the blame squarely on the protesting players.

"You know what's hurting the game?" he said. "When people like yourselves turn on television and you see those people taking the knee when they're playing our great national anthem."